Writing a Paragraph

Learning Competencies

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to do the

following:

● Compose a persuasive text of three paragraphs

expressing one’s stand on an issue (EN10W-Ie-12.3).
● Compose short persuasive texts using a variety of
persuasive techniques and devices (EN10WC-Ii-12).
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

do the following:

● Define a paragraph and its structure.

● Write a paragraph on a chosen issue following
principles of coherence.
Essential Question

How does writing help us think and express

ourselves?
Review

What is a paragraph and how is it different

from a sentence and an essay?
 Learn about It

Paragraphs are usually composed of three or more sentences

that are connected with one another to deliver a meaningful
message. Typically, an essay is composed of three or more
paragraphs.
 Learn about It

Coherence is the logical connection between and among the

sentences in a paragraph for the reader to easily understand
it.

The principles in composing coherent paragraphs will be

discussed in the next few slides.
 Learn about It

1. Repeat words, phrases, and concepts that are essential in the paragraph.

Knowing how to take down notes is an essential skill in order to get good grades
in class. Taking down notes helps one remember the things discussed in class.
Not even the most intelligent person can remember the lessons in all subjects
without taking down notes. The notes can also serve as a reviewer. Once a
student gets home, he or she can read what was written, and if there are things
that need clarification, he or she can consult the teacher on the next meeting.
This way, when a teacher gives an assignment or a quiz, the student will be able
to ace them because he or she understands the lesson well.
 Learn about It

2. Use parallel structure to link phrases, clauses, and sentences together.

Taking down notes is a skill that does not develop overnight. It needs constant practice
in order to be perfected. Though it may take some time to develop, mastering the skill is
beneficial to one’s educational pursuits. Here are some tips one can use to develop
notetaking skills: First, go to class prepared. Reading the materials ahead of time will
give you an idea of which things are important and should therefore be included in
your notes. Second, develop a note-taking method that works for you. People vary in
processing content. Others might draw in their notebooks while some prefer bulleting.
What’s important is that the output will help you recall the lesson. Finally, review and
edit your notes. Read what you have written and in case there is a need for clarification,
you may ask your teacher or search online to find the answers.
 Learn about It

3. Use transitional expressions such as furthermore, moreover, nevertheless,

etc. to link one sentence to another.

Note-taking has been a powerful tool in recalling important information since

ancient times. Notably, palaces in kingdoms long-past had scribes whose only
task was to take down important decisions or chart historical events. The
process of note-taking, however, has evolved since. From word-for-word
transcription to shorthand style, note-taking has reached a whole new level.
Nowadays, there are people who take down notes by doodling or creating
graphic organizers. Note-taking, nonetheless, still serves its main purpose—that
is, to recall important information.
 Learn about It

4. Use coherent arrangement of ideas

a. Chronological arrangement — arranged according to how events
happened

I excitedly began my stay in Rome at an international airport. However, my

first day in Italy was traumatic. As I left the plane, I was greeted by many
signs in Italian, only a few of which made sense to me. I followed a mob to
the baggage claim and waited until the carousel stopped, but I didn’t see
my luggage. My bags had been mistakenly delivered to the lost-and-found
office. After hours of waiting, I got through customs, and I was really
relieved to see my friend Angela, who took me to her home.”
 Learn about It

4. Use coherent arrangement of ideas

b. Spatial arrangement — arranges the ideas according to how they
are seen by the author

The inside of Bill’s refrigerator was horrible. On the top shelf was a three-
week-old carton of milk. Next to it sat a slice of eaten melon that was
already moldy. To the right of the melon sat the remains of spaghetti that
had been served a week earlier. On the shelf below was a slice of cake from
his sister’s birthday party. Though there was food, none of it was edible.
 Learn about It

4. Use coherent arrangement of ideas

c. Deductive arrangement — generalization first then supporting
details

The Democratic Party is the party of the middle class. Democrats

believe that the middle class is the bedrock of this country.
Democrats support lower taxes for workers, higher taxes for
corporations, and childcare credits. They also advocate greater
funding for education and expanding the availability of student
loans.
 Learn about It

4. Use coherent arrangement of ideas

d. Inductive arrangement — supporting details first then generalization

Transitioning from elementary to high school is one of the most

challenging moments in the life of a student. You will realize in your first
year that the task gets harder, the amount of homework increases, and
your teachers give you more responsibilities because you are older. Even
though you are older, you are still not old enough to do adult stuff like
spending longer periods of time either with your peers or by yourself, or
staying up all night to study your lessons and finish your assignments.
You are in an uncomfortable space between being a teenager and being a
little child. Indeed, the first year of high school is not easy.
 Bibliography

H. Shaw, and Zenobia Verner. Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition 1. Jurong, Singapore: Pearson Education
South Asia Pte, 2005.

Marius, Richard, and Harvey S. Wiener. 1994. The McGraw-Hill College Handbook. New York:
McGrawHill, 1994.

News USA. “How to Avoid Neck and Back Pain from Backpacks.” Accessed April 12, 2018.
https://www.copyrightfreecontent.com/newsusa/how-to-avoid-neck-and-back-pain-from-backpacks/.

News USA. “Simple Steps to Reduce Sports Injuries.” Copyright Free Content. Accessed April 12, 2018.
https://www.copyrightfreecontent.com/newsusa/simple-steps-to-reduce-sports-injuries/.

Skrabanek, D.W. “Persuasive Purpose.” Accessed April 12, 2018. http://www.austincc.edu/dws/persuasive.html.